Graphic Designer

The USC School of Architecture is seeking a Graphic Designer to design art and copy layouts for materials to be presented by visual media.  The designer will work with clients to advise, create and execute design standards and solutions to visual media objectives and/or requirements, and will develop design specifications for work produced by others.  He/she will monitor effectiveness and quality of final product and lead others on a project basis.

It is an exciting time to join the school as we welcome our new Dean, revitalize our school branding, initiate new strategic initiatives, and enhance our academic programs. The candidate must be a creative leader in innovative design for the architecture and allied fields, working collaboratively within our design community.

Specific Job Accountabilities:

• Designs art and copy layouts for materials such as illustrations, publications, graphs, charts, brochures, certificates, flyers, posters, slide presentations, etc. to be presented by visual media.
• Prepares presentation graphics for slides, overheads, etc.  Uses computer software packages to manipulate images.  Produces a variety of freehand artwork (e.g., drawings, illustrations, logograms, etc.).
• Prepares computerized typeset documents using publishing and page layout software.
• Assists in quality control by proofing final artwork before submission.  Checks projects for accuracy, design, color, format, alignment, and legibility.
• Works with clients to advise, create, modify and execute design standards and solutions to visual media objectives and/or requirements.
• Works with advertising and/or marketing representatives to integrate copy and graphics most effectively.  Determines size and arrangement of illustrations and copy.  Selects type style and size. Arranges layout according to space availability and using knowledge of layout principles and design concepts.
• Studies illustrations and photographs to plan presentation of materials, products or services.  Creates samples of finished layout and presents to client and/or supervisor for approval, as required.
• Prepares specifications for work to be performed by others.  Reviews and proofs production work and suggests improvements.  Assists with coordination of work performed by freelance artists, vendors, student workers and/or other departments.
• Leads others performing similar work on a project basis.
• Sets production schedules and meeting deadlines for design projects.  Develops and manages budgets for specific projects.

Qualifications:

• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
• Minimum Experience: 2 years
• Minimum Field of Expertise: Understanding of design issues, including browser usability and cross-platform compatibility. Solid foundation in studio design, typography, printing and layout. Work experience as a visual/graphic designer covering all aspects of artwork preparation, printing, and website creation. Requires thorough knowledge of typography, printing processes, selection of paper or other printing surfaces, and paper folding, binding and finishing. Knowledge of desktop publishing systems and specialized equipment related to periodical production.
• Preferred Field of Expertise: Experience with animation, responsive and motion design, video editing, etc. Understanding of web fundamentals, web development, various coding languages, as applicable, and search-engine optimization (SEO) best practices.

The hourly rate range for this position is $28.14 - $30.72. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

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Minimum Education: Associate's degree Minimum Experience: 2 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Education in graphic or industrial design. Work experience as a graphic designer covering all aspects of artwork preparation and printing. Requires thorough knowledge of typography, printing processes, selection of paper or other printing surface and paper folding, binding and finishing.